ronald reagan repeatedly attacked by president carter for his stance on health care. >> governor reagan, as a matter of fact, began his political career campaigning around this nation against medicare. >> reporter: reagan wins fans and the election by staying cool. >> there you go again. >> reporter: four years later president reagan again uses humor to handle attacks on his age during his debate with walter mondale. >> i want to you know that also i will not make age an issue of this campaign. i am not going to exploit for political purposes my opponent's youth and inexperience. >> reporter: the next election, democratic candidate due can a ki dukakis is asked this question. >> if kity were raped and murdered, would you favor irrevocable death penalty for the killer? >> no, i don't. i think you know that i proposed the death penalty during all of my life. >> reporter: the public sees his answer as cold and dispassionate. that very night his poll numbers dropped. during the 1988 vice presidential debate -- >> senator, you are no jack kennedy. >> reporter: body language play as part in t